Next generation Land Rover Defender to launch in 2018 – Report

Posted on: Mar 11, 2015 - 9:30am IST

Will be brought to the U.S. as well.

According to Automobile magazine, Land Rover will uncover the production spec next gen Defender in 2018. The current model will end its production run in 2015, which will be followed by the development of the next Defender.

The Land Rover DC 100 Concept is likely to influence some of the design of the new Defender.

Unlike the iron ladder frame construction of the current Defender, the next model will adopt an all-new lightweight unibody with two subframes. It’s unknown whether it will retain the live axle setup or an independent suspension. It will, reportedly, be available in 5 different body styles: short wheelbase two-door with metal roof, short wheelbase two-door with soft top, short wheelbase two-door pickup, long wheelbase four-door with metal roof, and a long wheelbase four-door pickup.

Power will be sourced from JLR’s Ingenium range of engines paired to either a six-speed manual transmission or a nine-speed ZF automatic gearbox. For off-road enthusiasts, a low-range transfer case and two lockable differentials will be optional extras.

The new Defender could adopt a unibody construction over the ladder frame chassis of the outgoing Defender.